Fujifilm today announced its new flagship X-series mirrorless compact digital camera, the Fujifilm X-H1. The first X-series camera with in-body image stabilization, it offers several major upgrades from the X-T2, including more extensive video options, flicker reduction mode, electronic shutter, improved AF performance, and a higher-resolution EVF. Along with the camera—indicating a serious pivot towards video production—Fujifilm also announced the Fujinon MKX18-55mm T2.9 and MKX50-135mm T2.9 cinema lenses.
Fujifilm X-H1
The Fujifilm X-H1 is the most technologically advanced of the company’s highly-rated series of interchangeable-lens X-mount cameras, which range from point-and-shoot compacts to pro tools. Designed for professional photographers and videographers, as well as for advanced amateurs, it’s the first model to boast in-body image stabilization; the company claims up to 5.5 stops of stabilization reduction, an important feature for low-light still photography as well as for handheld video capture.
Key features
- 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans Sensor
- No low-pass filter
- In-Body 5-axis Image Stabilization
- Weather-Resistant Construction
- 3.69 million dot EVF
- 3-inch 1.04 million dot flip-out touch panel LCD
- Extensive video features including 4K shooting mode
- Flicker reduction mode
The first Fujifilm camera with an X-H designation, the X-H1 is somewhat larger and heavier than the X-T2, with a more robust magnesium alloy chassis. In addition to the X-H1’s dust and water-resistant properties, as well as the ability to operate in temperatures down to -10°C/-14°F, the camera features 25% thicker magnesium alloy than the X-T2 and other X Series models, with claimed increased scratch-resistance and surface hardness.
Fujifilm says the X-H1 incorporates many improvements based on professional photographers’ feedback, including a large grip design, leaf-Spring/Summer switch for shutter-release button, near-silent shutter sound, a new AF-ON button, enlargements of buttons on the rear of the camera, and a new focus level.
The viewfinder is a high-magnification, high-precision electronic viewfinder with a magnification ratio of 0.75 times and 3.69 million dot resolution. The viewfinder display is extraordinarily smooth, with a display time lag of just 0.005 seconds and a frame rate of 100 frames per second. The X-H1 also features a 3-direction tilt 3-inch 1.04 million dot electrostatic touch-panel LCD and a 1.28” sub-LCD, which displays exposure information, on the top of the camera.
The X-H1’s 5-axis internal stabilization works in tandem with all XF and XC lenses, but even with lenses that do not have built-in stabilization, Fujifilm claims up to 5.5 EV of additional steadiness. Other new features include the addition of Bluetooth connectivity, flicker reduction for reliable exposure in difficult light conditions, and extended phase detection sensitivity. An electronic first-curtain shutter virtually eliminates the effect of vibrations to maximize the benefits of image stabilization.
Autofocus algorithm improvements include increased low-light limit for phase detection AF, minimum aperture for phase detection has been expanded from F8 to F11, major improvements to the AF-C performance while operating in zoom, and overall improved results across phase detection AF.
Pro-Level Video Features
The X-H1 is the first camera in the X Series to include Eterna, a new film simulation ideal for shooting movies. This mode simulates cinematic film, creating understated colors and rich shadow tones, greatly enhancing creative freedom during post-processing. The camera’s video image quality has been improved to include the 1080/120P high-speed video mode (1/2, 1/4 and 1/5 speed slow motion) for recording spectacular slow-motion footage, F-log SD card recording which aids smooth workflow, a DCI 4K shooting mode (4096×2160), a 400% dynamic range setting (approximately 12 stops), 200 Mbps high bit rate recording, a high-sound quality internal microphone (24 bit/48 kHz) and verbal time codes.
Vertical Battery Pack/Grip
Along with the X-H1, Fujifilm announced the X-H1 Vertical Power Booster Grip VPB-XH1. Dust and water resistant and usable down to -14 degrees F, the VPB-XH1 increases the max number of shots in normal mode to approximately 900. In boost mode, multiple batteries can be used simultaneously, improving performance for burst shots and reducing the interval between shots, shutter time lag, and blackout period. Two batteries may be attached to the grip, with a third battery in the body of the camera.
The Vertical Power Booster increases 4K shooting to 30 minutes, has shutter release, focus and AE and AF control buttons as well as an assignable Fn button. Plus, it’s equipped with a headphone jack.
Pricing and Availability
The Fujifilm X-H1 will be available from Adorama starting March 1st; Pre-orders are being accepted now on a first-come, first-served basis. The camera will be available body only for , or body with Vertical Power Booster Grip Kit for . The Booster Grip is also available on its own for .
Two Cinema Lenses
Fujfilm today also introduced two Cinema lenses which are compatible with the X-H1, the Fujinon MKX18-55mm T2.9 and MKX50-135mm T2.9. Both lenses have a constant T2.9 aperture across the entire zoom range, facilitating shortened shooting time since lighting doesn’t need to be readjusted during shoots. The wide aperture promotes the use of shallow depth of field. Both lenses boast edge-to-edge sharpness.
The MKX18-55mm uses an optical construction comprising 22 glass elements in 17 groups, with six super ED lens elements and two ED lens elements, while the MKX50-135mm uses 22 glass elements in 17 groups, with two super ED lens elements and two ED lens elements.
For both lenses, the front focusing group of lens elements and the zooming group of lens elements are driven independently from one another to suppress focus shift while zooming, which eliminates the need to re-focus after zooming in or out. The optical and mechanical approach means there is no time lag as seen in an electrical control system. The front inner-focusing system controls lens breathing (change of angle of view during focusing) which achieves smooth focusing. Manufacturing technology developed for conventional Fujinon cine lenses is applied to control optical axis shift while zooming, achieving intended composition every time.
Both lenses featured standardized design and good ergonomics. The focus ring features a rotation of a full 200 degrees to facilitate precise focusing.
The lenses feature three fully manual rings to enable independent adjustment of focus, zoom and iris (aperture). This enables intuitive operations which cannot be attained with an electrical mechanism that typically causes time lag.
All operation rings have a gear pitch of 0.8M, the same as all other Fujinon cine lenses, which allows the use of all standard third-party accessories for video production. The iris supports seamless adjustment that is free of clicking. This enables precise and silent exposure adjustment while also preventing camera shake caused by clicking. Only one matte box between the lenses is needed with an 85mm front diameter. Only one filter size between the lenses is needed with a filter thread of 82mm.
The gears for the three rings are positioned in the same place to eliminate the need to re-position accessories when switching lenses. The lenses have a macro function that allows shooting close-up to broaden the range of scenes that can be covered with one lens. The lenses feature a Flange Focal Distance adjustment function to achieve optimum camera and lens matching, bringing out the lenses’ full optical performance.
Pricing and Availability
The Fujifilm MKX18-55mm T2.9 lens will be available from Adorama for . The Fujifilm MKX50-135mm T2.9 lens will be available for . Availability is expected in the Spring-Summer, and pre-orders are being accepted now.
